OTEGO - Joseph Wagner Stanton (aka Normie) died June 11, 2024 unexpectedly at Albany Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was born on February 6, 1949 along with his twin sister, Judie in Carbondale, PA. He was the son of Donald and Lois (Wagner) Stanton.

They moved to Oneonta when he was four years old. He graduated from Oneonta High School and worked at Van's Auto until he went to SUCO to work. He retired in 2005 after over 35 years of service mostly as a Stationary Engineer in the Heating Plant.

Joe married his high school sweetheart Barbara Whittemore on August 9, 1969 and together they had two children Lori and Kevin.

Joe also served his community. He was a 50-year member of the Otego Fire Department and was a First Assistant Chief. He was a Trustee on the Village of Otego Board for 26 years and served on the Youth Rec Commission. He was also a member of the Sons of member of the Morris VFW.

Joe loved his family with all his heart. Joe enjoyed going to all their events whether it was a game or dance recital. His favorite hobby was hunting. Joe had another love which was his camp. He put his heart and soul into it, raising a few cows, grooming the land, and riding his golf cart.

Joe had many what we called "Normisms" which were sayings that only he came up with such as "Everything N That". He took a normal saying and put his own words in it and no matter how many times you corrected him, he would still say it his way. He touched many lives with his humor, prominent laugh and good-natured attitude.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Barbara; his daughter, Lori Mannina (Matt); his son, Kevin Stanton (Wende Ebberts); four granddaughters, Ashley Martini (Ryan), Sarah Stento (Joe), Kylee Stanton, and Emma Roach; four great-grandchildren, Adelyn and Lane Martini and Jaxon and Camden Stento; brother, Donald Stanton(Mona); sister, Judie Bice; brother-in-law, Brian Whittemore (Jan); sister-in-law, Beth Vargason as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by Mike Perry (Denise) who he considered a son and by four girls that he thought of as granddaughters, Morgan, Meghan and Taylor Perry, and Abigale Turner.

He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws, Bob and Betty Lou Whittemore; brothers-in-law, Brad Whittemore and Terry Vargason.

Don't be sad, he wouldn't want that. He would want you to raise a glass and say cheers with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, June 15 at the Stanton Camp at 156 Nemeth Drive, off of County Highway 6 in Otego.  Bring a chair, some bug spray, your favorite "Normism" and dress in casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Otego Fire Department, PO Box 467, Otego, NY 13825.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com, the website of Oneonta's only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.